Striped Dora Raphael Catfish Platydoras Armatulus 5cm

Overview

The Striped Raphael Catfish is a chunky, armour-plated doradid with bold cream stripes running the length of a dark chocolate body. Like its spotted cousin it can croak audibly, earning the name talking catfish. Widespread across the Amazon and Orinoco basins, it is a hardy, long-lived and peaceful bottom dweller for larger community tanks.

• Adult Size: Around 20 cm (8 in); occasionally 24 cm (9.5 in)
• Lifespan: 15–20 years

Origin

• Native to: Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo and Tocantins basins, South America
• Habitat: Slow creeks, swamps and backwaters among roots and submerged plants

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Sinking pellets, bloodworm, earthworms, prawn, mussel, algae wafers
• Feeding Habits: Feed after lights out; adults need feeding only every other day

Tank Mates

• Best with: Medium to large tetras, peaceful cichlids, other doradids, plecs
• Avoid: Fish and shrimp small enough to be eaten at night

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Shy, peaceful and tolerant of its own kind
• Territoriality: Low; may squabble briefly over favourite caves

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Nocturnal and secretive; grows larger than many expect

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F)
• pH: 5.8–7.5
• Hardness: 2–20 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 150 litres; larger for a group or adults

Final Notes

This is a genuine long-term commitment: a well-kept specimen can outlive many dogs, and it slowly grows into a substantial fish. Provide caves, pipes or bogwood hollows, a sand substrate and dim lighting; it becomes bolder and will feed in daylight as it matures. Its locking pectoral spines catch in nets, so use a jug to move it. Females are broader, but sexing is unreliable and captive breeding is exceptionally rare. A characterful, bulletproof catfish.